Tehran, Iran, November 4, 2018 – Volleyball is the subject of Mohammad Bakhshi’s award-winning short film “Are you Volleyball?!” depicting the sport as the language of peace.

The Iranian director’s short film tells the story of a group of asylum seekers arriving at an English-speaking country only to be detained at the border. Unable to move on, the asylum seekers engage in daily quarrels with the soldiers who guard the boarder until a deaf-mute baby and a children’s game of volleyball become the catalyst for reconciliation between the two groups.

The short film has earned praise from critics, celebrities and dignitaries. It also had a screening in 2016 at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Japan.

Bakhshi’s interest in film traces back to his teenage years, when he pursued an education in filmmaking at the Youth Cinema Society of Rafsanjan in 2005. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Film from the Tehran University of Art in 2010 and his Master’s Degree in Theatre from Azad University.

Bakhshi’s love for the sport and his academic thesis about world peace was his inspiration for “Are you Volleyball?!”. The director is a supporter of the Iran national team and regularly follows their international matches.

Bakshi will present a copy of the short film with an autographed poster to the International Olympic Committee.

AwardsBest Short Film – Changing Face International Film Festival (CFIFF) in AustraliaBest Film – Al Nahj Film Festival in IraqBest Film and Best Screenplay – 6th Short Film Competition US Forum on Law, Culture & SocietyBest Film at the BCN Sports Film Festival in SpainWinter Film AwardsHonorary Diploma – 30th International Film Festival for Children and YouthBest Short Film – 35th Milano Sports Film Festival in ItalyCifej International Film Festival for Children and YouthBest Drama Short Film – Global Film FestivalGolden Butterfly, International Film Festival For Children And YouthHonorary Medal - Isfa 30th International Film Festival For Children And YouthBest Youth Film - Matera Film Festival (Italy)Honorary Diploma - National Film Festival For Children And YouthBest Film - Parvaz Film FestivalBest Director - Parvaz Film FestivalGrand Jury Prize - Roshd Film Festival